Starting this week, two theatrical festivals take the spotlight in Philadelphia — the First Person Arts Festival and the Philadelphia Improv Festival. (Photo by Jen Cleary for First Person Arts)

Starting this week, two festivals — the First Person Arts Festival and the Philadelphia Improv Festival — will bring talented local and national performers to stages across the city.

The First Person Arts Festival returns for its 14th year starting this Wednesday, November 4. The festival celebrates storytelling and theater through workshops, storytelling slams, live performances and more.

The Philadelphia Improv Festival welcomes performers from Philadelphia and beyond for improvisational performances at the Asian Arts Initiative.

Make plans to celebrate the local theater scene by hitting both of these festival.

• Philadelphia Improv Festival

The Philadelphia Improv Festival returns for another year of comedic performances at the Asian Arts Initiative. The four-day festival calls on comedians from all over the country to present either commissioned or submitted improvisational works. Beyond performances, the festival also offers a number of improvisation-based workshops for those looking to get involved in the improv scene.

The Philadelphia Improv Festival celebrates national and local comedians like Davenger (shown here). (Photo courtesy Davenger)

• First Person Arts Festival

This year marks year 14 for the First Person Arts Festival, a storytelling and performance arts fest featuring true stories from the performer’s lives. For more than 10 days, the festival promises a performance by Sonia Sanchez, author events, storytelling workshops, a culinary event at Warm Daddy’s, the Grand Slam (a storytelling battle) and more. Festival venues vary, but most will take place at Christ Church Neighborhood House.

When: November 4-15Where: Various LocationsCost: Ticket prices range from free to $150 (most are $15)MORE INFO

From November 4 through 15, the First Person Arts Festival returns with storytelling, workshops, author events and more.
(Photo courtesy Jen Cleary for First Person Arts)